Reed-weaving machine



Fin. 26, 1929.

M. B. LLOYD REED WEAVING MACHINE 'r sheds-sheet 1 Filed May 14, 1924 fmf um.

Feb. 26, 1929.

M. B. LLOYD REED wEAvING MACHINE '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 14. 1924 Feb. 26, 1929.

M. B. LLOYD REED YJEAVING MACHINE Filed My 14, 1924 "l sheets-sheet 5 d M. m M m Orne Feb. 26, 1929.

M. B. LLOYD REED WEAVING MACHINE Filed May 14, 1924 '7 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 26, 1929. 1,703,276

M. B. LLOYD v REED WEAVING MACHINE Filed May 14. 1924 '7 sheets-sheet 5 /Y y? V 17 r 51 18 55H55 if 57" 65 Tw T A JZ [y T a* 1 /f v iff 54 if' l i l I J6 N69 55 /Vfi f8 "1?) X l /L' f I' 70 1y//l//V l MV f' w, l y; y :ly/Q

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Feb. 26, .1929. 1,703,276

M.`B. LLOYD I REED wEAvING MACHINE Filed May 14, 1924 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Marga/Zub v d f fk CTM.

Feb. 26, 1929.

M. B. LLOYD REED )NEAVING MACHINE Filed May 14, 1924 '7 Sheets-Shes*I '7 reference to the accompanying Parenteel Feb. 2e, '1929.

MARSHALL B. LLOYD,

yWAIKIIEFIILLD COMPANY, 0l' BOSTON,

MASSACHUSETTS.

-OF MENOMINEE, MICHIGAN, ASSIG-IOB T0 VHEYIOO-'Df- MASSACHUSETTS, A CORPORATION 0l' 'anim-wmvnre nomia Application mea :my 14, im. semi no. 713,200.

My invention relates generally to vimprove-- ments in reed weaving machines, but relates more particularly to a machine for the production of a new type of fabric. 0

The general object of my invention is to provide a machine wherewith a relatively light, yet strong and durable, fabric of reed, fibre reed and similar materials can be produced rapidl and at low cost.

More specifically, it is an obj ectofmy invention to provide a machine for weaving a stake and strand fabric composed of reed, fibre reed or similar materials, in which the stakes shall be firml held in spaced relation, one to the other, and in which the strandsv or groups of strands shall be firmly positioned in spaced relation upon the stakes, thereby forming an open weave.v

My invention consists generally in a machine of the form, arrangement., construction and co-action of the parts, whereby the above named objects'together with others that will appear hereinafter are attainable; and my invention will be more readily understood by drawings, which illustrate what I consider, at the present time, to be the preferred embodiment thereof.

In said drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a machine embody my invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the machine, part thereof being broken away in order to show the parts upon a larger' scale.

Fig. 3 is a detail vertical view, substantially along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective View of one of the strand twisting elements, a part thereof being broken away better to disclose the interior construction. l

Fig. 5 is a face view of an enlarged scale of the left-hand end of the device shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a detail vertical view upon an enlarged scale, taken substantially along the line 6-6 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a plan View of a fragment of the fabric which the machine produces.

Fig. 8 is a detail vertical View substantially along the line 8-8 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary detail view substantially along the line 9-9 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary detail view substantially on the line 10-10 of Fig. 1.

Fi 11 is a detail fragmentary view substantially on the line 11-11 of Fig. 1. v

Fig. 12 isa detail view partl in elevation and partly in section on the line 12--12 of Fig. 13 is a fragmentary detail view on the line 13--13 of Fig. 1; p

Fig. 14 is a vertical detail view substantially on the line 14--14 of Fig. 11; and

Figs. 15, 16, 17 and 18 are descriptive views illustrating different steps in the formation of the fabric. l

I shall refer in the-specification and claims to the term fibre reed, which is the material I prefer to use and which is composed of a paper stri or strips which are immersed in glue and t ien twisted tightly to form a compacted strand. This, however, should be considered as by way of illustration and not by 'way of limitation and the term fibre reed should be construed to mean libre reed, natural reed, or other materials having similar characteristics, unless the context or the claims plainly prohibit such broad interpretation. I

The fibre reed strandsl, of which there are 144 in the present machine, pass from. an ual number of spools (not shown) upon e w iich a considerable quantity of the fibre reed strand is wound to a bar 2 which is provided with an equal number of slots or grooves 3. Holes 4 are provided in order to guide the strands properly to the slots or grooves 3. In each groove there is positioned bell crank lever 5 which is pivoted at 6 and which presses against the strand by virtue of the tension spring 7 which is secured at one end to the lever and at the other end to an immovable part of the bar 2. In this manner a frictiona resistance is offered to the passage of the strands therethrough and as strands pass on to and around a roll 8 they are placed under tension. It should be observed that the strands make a complete revolution around the roll 8 and pass from the roll 8 in groups of four, in the present instance, into a central bore or opening 9 of the spindlelike device 10, which, for the sake of convenience, will hereinafter be referred to as a twisting spindle. Inasmuch as four strands pass into each spindle, in the present instance, there are one-fourth as many spindles as there are strands. The central hole or bore 9 terminates short of the end of the spindle,

thus forming a solid portion 11 andtherein I have provided four holes 12, each of a size suiiicient to accommodate a single strand. As the spindle is normally positioned two of these holes 12 are arranged equi-distant from the vertical central plane of the spindle and above-the horizontal central plane, and the remaining two holes are positioned in like manner below the horizontal plane. These details are probably best shown in-Figs. 4, 5 and 6, from which it will be observed that the holes 12 are inclined. The holes 12 merge into a like number of grooves 13, which ar'e formed in a tip member 14, the tip member 14 being removably secured to the spindle by means of the machine screw 15. In the face of the tip 14 I have formed the grooves 16 and 17 which are `in alignment and which normally are positioned in a horizontal plane. By the termv normal with respect to the twisting spindles I mean the position they occupy when the stake 18, about to be described, is fed or moved into place.

The stake 18 is preferably formed with a metallic core 19, which adds considerably to the strength and rigidity of the fabric so that when the strands are tightly twisted around spaced stakes, in a manner later to be described, the resulting fabric, while light in weight and o en in construction, nevertheless, is a remar ably stable product and is susceptible of use in the manufacture of a wide variety of articles, such as baby carriage bodies, bassinets, chairs, tables, and indeed, furniture generally.

It will be understood that when the twisting spindles are in their normal position, such as is depicted in Fig. 15 the stake 18 is propelled or pushed into place, the various grooves 16 and 17 in the tips 14 forming a receiving and guiding groove or track therefor. It will also be understood that the four strands pass separately through the four independent holes 12 and emerge from the tip, as is well shown in Fig. 15, two being above the stake receiving groove and two below the same, and assuming that a stake had previously been inserted and the mechanism operated to lock the stake in place, the parts would occupy the general positions shown in Fig. 15. It will be seen by reference to that figure that the previous stake 181 is spaced vsomewhat from the face of the tip 14 and that the two upper strands 11 and 1b extend downwardly and toward each other, passing under the two lower strands 1c and 1d, which, in turn, extend upwardly and toward each other. In this manner, two of the strands pass over vthe stake 18l in side by side relation, whereas the other two pass under the stake in side by side relation and due to the previous twisting of these strands the stake is very tightly bound in place. While a greater orsmaller number of strands could be used, I find that four strands produce a very good fabric and provide sufficient frictional contact with the stakes so that the strands remain in their placed position around the stakes against any normal tendency to move them thereon and that this result can be accomplished without twisting the strands so tightly as to result in breakage or undue straining thereof. Assuming now that the stake 18 has been fed into place, as depicted in Fig. 15, the fabric is pulled slightly away from the face of the tip 14 by means of a roll 20, which is operated in proper timed relation by mechanism later to be described and which is provided with a large number of radially disposed projecing pins 20a. These pins 20L are arranged in rows disposed longitudinally of the roll 20, each row being parallel to the stake, and in rows circumfercntially, the pins in each circumferential row being spaced apart a distance between successive stakes. In fact, these pins, as is well shown in Fig. 6, engage stakes so that any rotation of the roll 20 can pull the fabric in the direction of rotation and since that is away from the twisting spindles the fabric is moved in that direction. As the fabric is thus moved-forwardly a plurality of star wheels 21 are rotated by means later to be described, the projections 22 thereof thereby moving the stake from its position 1n the groove of the tip 14 to the position depicted in Fig. 16. When the stake has thus been freed from the tip of the spindles, the spindles are rotated in the direction of the arrow (see Figs. 16 and 17) by mechanism later to be described, iinally coming t-o a state of rest in the position shown in Fig. 18, the twisting spindle having made one complete revolution from the position shown in Fig. 15 so that the parts are positioned for the reception of another stake, whereupon another stake is inserted and the twisting spindles given one revolution in the opposite direction with the same result before described.

The various twistingspindles 10, it will be observed, are mounted in suitable bearings 23 for rotation and are provided withA a pinion gear 24 at one end, which is in mesh with a gear rack 25 that is mounted for reciprocating movement in a slide or guideway 26. Qbviously, movement of the rack 25 in one direction causes rotation of the twisting spindles in a given direction and movement in the opposite direction causes reversal of such movement. It will also be understood that it is necessary that the twisting spindles remain at rest in their normal positions to permit insertion of the stake. The mechanism for operating these parts is best shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, wherein 27 is a shaft to which there is keyed a gear wheel 28, which meshes with a gear wheel 29 that is positioned on the main drive shaft 30. For driving the shaft 8O there is provided the belt and pulley 31 and 32, respectively, which may be ope-ratively connected to the shaft 30, through the instrumentality of the clutch 33 and clutch lever 34. In this manner constant motlon is imparted to the shaft 27 on which there 1s keyed a wheel 35, half of which 1s formed with gear teeth 36 and the other half of which is provided with a plain smooth face 37.

Mounted upon a jack-shaft 38 parallel to the shaft 27 will be found a wheel 3.9, the periphery of which is provided wlth two diametrically opposite lblocks 40 and 41, respectively, in which there vare formed concave faces 42 and 43, respectively, the curvature of which corresponds to that of the smooth face 37 of the wheel 35. The remainder of the wheel 39 is made up by gear teeth 44 and 45 respectively. Also mounted upon thejackshaft 38 will be found a crank wheel 46, to the crank pin 47 of which there is. attached a crank or arm 48, which, in turn, 1s connected to a pin 49 that is carried vby a block 50, the

block 50, in turn, being secured to the base bar 51, upon which the gear rack 25 is mounted. Thus, as the wheel 35 rotates, sliding movement of the smoothv face 37 upon the engaged face 42 or 43 of the wheel 49 takes place, during a half revolution of the wheel 35. This, obviously,"does not move the wheel 39 so that the twisting spindles during that time remain at restin their normal positions. When the wheel 35 has made a half revolution, however, the teeth 36 engage the teeth 44 or 45 of the wheel 39, thus causing a half a revolution ofthe wheel 49, thereby moving the crank pin 47 from its limit of movement upon one side of the center the limit of movement upon the opposite slde and thereby. causing rectilinear movement of the gear rack 25 with the result before described. Obviously, when the teeth 36 again mesh with the teeth of the wheel 49 another half revolution is imparted thereto which results 1n moving the gear rack 25 inthe opposite direction a like distance.

For operating the star wheels 21 there is provided a shaft 52, which is mounted for rotation in suitable bea-rings 53 and 54.- The shaft 52 extends beyond the bearing 53 and ycarries a ratchet wheel 55 which is periodically actuated by the pawl 56 which is carried by the lever 57. 58a represents a pawl to prevent reverse movement. The lever 57 is pivoted at 57a on the shaft 52 and is connected to a lever 57 b by means of alink 57.

vThe lever 57h, in turn, is pivoted at 57d and carries at its outer end an anti-friction roller 57 e. In this manner the lev'era e is increased so that the lever 57 is move the required distance.

For moving the lever 57b and for operating the roll 20 I provide a shaft 58 which, at

one end, carries a bevel gear 59 that engages a bevel gear 60 mounted upon the shaft 27 and which lat the other end carries a crank 61, to the crank pin 62 of which there is se- -cured 'one end of a connecting rod 63. The

Fixed to theshaft 65 of roll 20 is a ratchet wheel 68 which is operated b the pawl 69 mounted upon a lever 64. It 1s obvious that the crank 61 and rod 63 im art an oscillating movement to lever 64 an that as lever 64 moves in a clockwise direction (viewed as in Fig. 8) roll 20 is moved a fraction of a revolution. In fact it is moved a distance corresponding to the distance between the stakes. A pawl 70 is provided to prevent reverse movement. As the lever 64 moves to the left (Fig. 8) it strikes the lever 57b and causes movement thereof with the result before described. The lever 57b is returned to normal position b the tension spring 57 f.

The fa ric, after it leaves the roll 20, passes under an idler roller 7l and thence to the winding roll 72, both of which are carried in suitable bearings. The winding roll is actuated by means of the rod 73, one end of which is'secured to the lever 64 and the other end of which engages a ratchet wheel 74 which is rotatably mounted upon the shaft of the winding roll 72. Secured to the ratchet wheel 74 is a disc 754 which with the disc 76 and interposed friction disc 77 forms a friction drive for the roll 72 so that the necessary slippage can take place.

The bearings for the rolls 71 and 72 are mounted upon the angle iron members 78 and 7 9 that are secured to and extend upwardly from the base plate 80 of the machine.

sake feeding' ma @may mam.

As before described, the stake 18 is placed in position while the twisting spindles are in their'normal idle posit-ion.

The stake material 18 is, in practice, wound upon a large reel (not shown) and passes therefrom to a guide 81 (see F ig. 1) which is positionedin alignment with the meeting line of two rolls 82 and 83. The rolls 82 and 83 are grooved to accommodate the stake but to do so in such manner that sufficient -pressure is always exerted upon the stake to drive it forward. The lower roll 82 is constantly driven at desired speed by means of a gear 84 which is fixed to the shaft 85, on which the roll 82 is fixed.

The gear 84, in turn, is operated from al mounted anotherlsprocket 96. Rotation is imparted to shaft 95 by the endless chain 97 which operates over the sprocket 96 on shaft 95 and sprocket 98 secured to shaft 27.

In this manner, the lower roll 82 is constantly driven but the upper roll 83 is merely pressed downwardly by means of a spring 99 so that the necessary slippage can take place. Thus, the stake material 18 is fed forward and as it leaves the rolls 82 and 83 it enters a flexible guide 101 which, as here shown, is in the nature of a coiled spring and the purpose of which will shortly appear. The flexible guide 101 terminates in a die like element 102 which is mounted in stationary block 103. The block 103 also supports a tube 104 which surrounds the flexible guide 101 and prevents abnormal movement thereof.

The die-like element 102 is provided with a central opening of sufficient size snugly to accommodate the stake 18 and it projects` slightly beyond the face of the block 103. The die member 102 forms one part of the device for shearing or cutting the stake material which is done at timed intervals, to provide stakes of just the required length and without interrupting the forward feed of the stake material from the reel. This is accomplished by a cam block 105, which is secured to a disc 106 that is fixed to rotate with shaft 87, striking the member 107 that is mounted for vertical reciprocation in the guide block 108. Upward movement of member 107 rocks the lever 109 which is pivoted at 110 so that the opposite end of the lever deplresses the bar 111, thus causing the shear element 112 to coact with the elelnent 102 to cause a shearing or cutting of the stake material 18. rfhe shear element 112 is removably held in place by means of screw 113 so that it can be shifted to present any one of the cutting grooves 114L to the stake material.

inasmuch as the stake material is fed constantly forward, when the cutting operation takes place, the stake material bows or bends from its straight path between the cut off mechanism andthe feed rolls 82'and 83. litlr is prevented from being broken r kinked, however, by the guide spring 101 which also helps to restore it to its proper plane as soon as the cutting operation takes place.

The stake, just prior to the cut-off operation has its forward end positioned between two rolls 115 and 116. The lower roll 115 is mountedl upon a shaft 117 which carries a pulley 118 which is driven at relatively high speed from the motor 119 by means of the belt 120. |The upper roll is pressed downwardly toward the lower r'oll by means of the spring 121 and operates in a suitable guide way 122. The rolls 115 and 116, therefore,

- tend to vpropel the stake at high speed but can not do so until the cut-off operation takes place, at which time the stake is proJected into -place in the aligned grooves of the various ation and that the fabric is stake in place.

strand twisting devices, as before described. The leading end of the stake finally engages a leaf spring 123 (see Fig. 9) pressing it awa from the' outer surface of the block 124 an thereby, cansinor a `pinching of the stake therebetween. his prevents any possibility of the stake being withdrawn before it is locked in place by the twisting of the strands, as before described. However, the stake can freely move eff the spring as it is pushed forward by the star wheels 21.

It should be mentioned that the stake is supported in a suitable guide-way 125 between the cut-off point andthe propelling wheels 115 and 116.

From the foregoing, it should be obvious that the machine is continuous in its operproduced' rapidly and cheaply.

I claim:

1. A machine for weaving an open stake and strand fabric of reed or the like embodying therein, means for separating a plurality of strands into twin sets of a number of strands each, spindles each having twin sets of holes for said twin sets of strands, with a transverse groove in the tip, means for feeding a stake into position in the grooves of all spindles and therefore between the se arated twin sets of strands, step by step rotary means for engaging and moving the stake forwardly and out of said grooves against the previously made twists in said strands, and means for actuating said spindles to twist said twin sets of strands to lock the stake in place.

2. A machine for weaving an open stake and strand fabric of reed or the like embodying therein, means for associating a plurality of strands into twin sets of a number of strands each, means including spindles each with a grooved tip for holding the twin sets of strands in spaced relation at a predetermined point, means for feeding a stake into position in the tip grooves of all spindles and between the spaced twin sets of strands, step by step4 rotary means for moving the stake forwardly and out of the spindle grooves, and means 'for actuating said Aspindles to twist the twin setsl of strands to lock said 3.' A machine for weaving an open stake and strand fabric of reed or the like embodying therein, means for associating a plurality of strands into twin' sets of a number of strands each, means for holding the twin sets of strands inspaced relation at a predetermined point forwardly of said strand associating means, stake material severing means, means for feeding the severed stake endwise into position between the spaced twin sets of strands, step by step rotating, means. for moving the positioned stake up against the previous twist of the strands, said means being so formed as to permit the endtra.

wise feed of the stake therethrough, and

means for twisting said twin sets ofstrands to lock said stake in place;

4. A machine for weaving and strand fabric of reed or the like embodying therein, means for associating a plurality ofstrands into twin sets of a number o strands each, means for holding thetwin sets of strands in spaced relation at a predetermined point, stake material severing means, means for feeding the severed stake endwise into position between the spaced twin sets o strands, means for moving the inserted stake forwardly against the previous twist of said strands, said means permitting the endwise feed of the severed stake therethrough, and means for twisting said twin sets of strands to lock the stake in place.

5.l A machine for weaving an open stake and strand fabric of reed or the like embodying therein, means for separating a plurality of strands into twin sets of a number of strands each, means for moving stake material at relatively slow speed, means for severing the stake of desired length, and means for feeding the severed stake into position between said separated twin sets of strands at relatively high speed.

6. A machine for weaving an open stake and strand fabric of reed or the like embodying therein, means for separating a plurality' of strands into twin sets of a number of strands each, means for moving stake material at relatively slow speed, means for severing the stake material to provide a stake of. desired length, means for feeding the severed stake into position between the separated twin sets of strands at relatively high speed, and means for twisting said twin sets of strands to lock the stake in place.

7. A machine for weaving an open stake and strand fabric of reed or the like embodying therein, means for separating a plurality of strands into. twin sets of a number of strands each, means for feeding a stake into position between the separated twin sets of strands, means for twisting'said twin sets o strands to lock the stake in place and a roll around which all of said twin sets of strands are wrapped before entering said strand twisting means.

8. A machine for weaving an open stake and strand fabric of reed or the like embodying therein, means for separating a plurality of'strands', means for feeding a stake into osition between the separated' strands, means for twisting the strands to lock the stake in place, and a roll around which the strandsv are wrapped before' entering said strand twisting means, said roll being arranged at an angle to said twisting means.

9. A machine for producing a stake and lstrand fabric of the class described embodying therein, means for separating a plurality an open stake material to provide a stake of strands into of straiids, stake v'material Asevering means, I

exiblezeans for supporting the stake material at one side of the severing means, means for feedin thfe severed stake into position between t e separated strands, and means for stake in place.

twisting the strands to'- lock the 10. A machine for producin a stake and 1 i the class described embodyfor separating a plurality material severing means,

strand fabric of ing therein, means of strands, stake f flexible means for supporting the stake material between the forwarding means and the severing means, means for feeding the severed stake into position between the separated strands, and means -for twisting the strands to lock the stake in place.

11. Av machine for producing a stake and strand fabric of the class described embodying therein, means for separating a plurality of strands, stake material severing means, a

' coiled wire for supporting the stake material at one side of the severing means, means for feeding the severed'stake into position between the separated strands, and means for twisting the strands to lock the stake in place.

12. A machine for producing a stake and strand fabric of the class described embody'- ing therein, means for separating a plurality of strands, stake material severing means, a

coiled wire for supporting the stake material means for feeding the severed stake into position between the separated strands, and means for twisting the strands to lock the stake in place.

13. A machine for weaving an open stake and strand fabric of reed or the like embodying therein, means for separating a plurality of strands into twin sets of a number of strands each, means for feeding a stake into position between the separated twin sets of strands, and means' for twisting the twin sets of strands to lock the stake in place, said twisting means including a spindle having twin sets of spaced holes throughwhich the strands are adapted to pass.

14. A machine for weaving an open stake means,

, and strand fabric of reed or the like embodymeans for separating a plurality twin sets of a number of strands each, means for feeding a stake into position between the separated twin sets of strands, and means for tw ist-ing the twin sets of strands to lock the stake, in place, said strand twisting and separating means including a spindle having acent-ral strand receiving opening adapted to receive a group of strands and twin sets of spaced .openings leading therefrom, each of which is adapted .to receive a strand.

15. A machine for weavin an open stake and strand fabric of reed or t e like embodying therein, means for separating a plurality of strands into twin sets of a number of ing therein,

between the forwarding means and severing strands each, means for feeding a stake into position between the separated twin sets of strands,v and means for twisting'the twin sets of strands to lock the stake m place, said strand twisting and' separating means including a spindle havin@ a central strand receiving openin adapted to receive a group of strands an twin sets of inclined openings leading therefrom, each of which is adapted to receive a strand.

16. A machine for weaving an open stake and strand fabric of reed or the like embodying therein, means for separating a plurality of strands into twin sets of a number of strands each, means for feeding a stake into position between the separated twin sets of strands, and means for twisting the twin Sets of strands to lock the stake in place, said strand twisting and separating means including a spindle and means for periodically rotating same, and for periodically holding same in a state of rest while the stake is inserted, the rotating means including a pinion on the spindle and a gear rack with which it is in engagement.

17. A machine for weaving an open stake and strand fabric of reed or the like embodying therein, means for separating a plurality of strands into twin sets of a number of strands each, means for feeding a stake into position between the separated twin sets of strands, and means for twisting the twin sets of strands to lock the stake in place, said strand twisting and separating means ineluding a spindle and means for periodically rotating same, and for periodically holding same in a state of rest while the stake is inserted, the rotating means including a pinion 0n the spindle and a gear rack with which it is in engagement, together with means for periodically reciprocating said gear rack.

18. A machine for weaving an open stake and strand fabric of reed or the like embodying therein, means for separating a plurality of strands into twin sets of a number of strands each, means for feeding a stake into position between the separated twin sets of strands, and means for twisting the twin sets of strands to lock the stake in place, lsaid strand twisting and separating means including a spindle and means for periodically rotating same, and for periodically holding same in a state of rest while the stake is inserted, the rotating means, ineludin a pinion on the spindle and a gear rack with which it is in engagement, together with means for eriodical y reciprocating said gear rack, and 'or periodically holding same in a state of rest.

19. In a machine of the kind described, the combination of a plurality of strand twisting spindles having stake receiving grooves in the tip thereof, means for feeding a stake endwise into said grooves, ste by step rotating members including radia arms for engaging the stakes to feed them forwardly and outwardly beyond said grooves into engagement with the previous twist of the strands, which stakes when said members are atl rest are fed endwise through the spaces between said arms and means for actuating said spindles to twist the strands behind said stake.

'20. ln a device of the kind described, the combination of a plurality of spaced parallel strand twisting spindles, each having a transverse groove in its tip, a step by step rotating shaft disposed forwardly above and transversely of the spindle tips, a plurality of dcvices each` including radial arms on lsaid shaft, means for feeding a stake between two of said arms of said devices and into said grooves, some of which arms engage the stake to move it forwardly beyond the spindle tips, and means for actuating the spindles to twist the strands behind said stake.

21. 1n a device of the kind described, the combination of a plurality of spaced parallel strand twisting spindles each having a transverse groove in its tip, a step by step rotating shaft disposed forwardly above and transversely of the spindle tips, a plurality of devices each including radial arms on said shaft, means for feeding a stake between two of said arms of said devices and into said grooves, some of which arms engage the stake to move it forwardly beyond the spindle tips,

lmeans for actuating the spindles to twist the strands behind said stake, and a toothed cylinder engaged in the mesh of the fabric for feeding the fabric forwardly.

ln testimony whereof, l have hereunto set my hand, this 10th day of May, 1924.

MARSHALL B. LLOYD. 

